We are a leader in protecting the health and safety of our employees and neighbours, and our operations continually exceed the standards set by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). Meeting or exceeding the CNSC requirements, we do our part to protect the health, safety, environment and security of Canadians. And, through our Public Information Program (PIP), we are committed to open public communications.
Public Information Program (PIP)
Should you have any questions about our Public Information Program, please contact Richard Wassenaar at richard.wassenaar@nordion.com or at 613-592-3400 x2579.
Nordion’s Public Disclosure Protocol
Nordion is committed to open and transparent relationships with its stakeholders, including employees, suppliers, customers, regulators and the public. The purpose of the Program, as it relates to the CNSC licensed activities of our Ottawa facility, is to ensure that information related to the health, safety and security of persons and the environment, and other issues associated with the lifecycle of the facility are effectively communicated to the public. The Company has established a Public Disclosure Protocol (the “Protocol”) to ensure that public communications are informative, timely, accurate, and that material information is disclosed in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements to the general public. This Protocol is an integral part of Nordion’s program.
In order to determine what types of information would be of public interest, Nordion shall consult with public stakeholders and interest groups with a primary focus on the local community.
The objectives of the Protocol are to:
- Provide information on health, safety, and security of persons and the environment, and ensure issues associated with facilities’ licensed operations and activities are communicated.
- Communicate, on an ongoing and timely basis. Communications will address the public’s perception of risk, as well as the level of public interest of our facility operations, activities, and anticipated effects on environment and health and safety of persons.
- Ensure consistent standards and procedures for public disclosure of material and non-material information under this Protocol.
- Ensure communications under this Protocol are balanced and broadly communicated in a non-selective manner to individuals, organizations, stakeholders and the public based on real or perceived risks and public interest or concern.
Public Disclosure 2021
Emergency Response Training Exercise
Nordion is holding a training exercise on September 17th at approximately 9 am to test our emergency response plan as part of our efforts to build and maintain a strong emergency management program. This exercise includes the participation of Ottawa Fire Services, who may have emergency vehicles on site. Joint exercises are important for both Nordion and Ottawa emergency services in order to improve response capabilities and ensure an integrated response in the unlikely event that there is an emergency at the Nordion site.
False Fire Alarm
During the evening of July 19, 2021, a heat sensor was triggered twice, activating the fire alarm both times. As per Ottawa Fire Services practices, a fire truck was dispatched both times and Ottawa Fire Services confirmed false alarms. Investigation indicated a false alarm both times due to increased operation of machinery in the room and the warm outside air resulting in a localized increase in the air temperature around the heat sensor, causing it to activate. There was no negative impact to the facility or risk to the public or the environment.
On-site Familiarization Visits for Ottawa Fire Services Personnel
Members of the Ottawa Fire Services will be visiting the facility for planned meetings. This is part of their normal and routine community service. These visits allow the Ottawa emergency response teams to better respond if the need to do so ever presents itself and is not in response to any specific incident or threat to the facility.
Ottawa Fire Services will be on site Friday, February 19.
2021 — Reports
Annual Compliance and Operational Performance Report*
CNSC Review of Nordion’s Performance
Quarterly Event Reports*
Public Disclosure
If you’d like to see disclosures for previous years, you’ll find links to this information below.